“Mom, I just want you to know that I’ve got your back.”

As you know, or suspect, I’ve made some big life changes (and I’m contemplating others!). But sometimes, we moms (and dads) just have too much on our contemplative minds and, as a result, we don’t have our best parenting moments! The other day was one of them for me.

While in the car, one of my sons asked me how well he could live on $1,200 per month. I asked what he was thinking and he said, “Maybe I could play minor league ball.” I, with my bitchy mom hat on, totally freaked. “You need to go to college and graduate school!” “You need to focus on real life, and a real job you love – not sports!” (Although sometimes my obsession for my sports teams makes them “real life” to me). He, as you would expect freaked back. And, why not? I had just crushed – no stomped – on his dreams. I displayed a mom-really-sucks moment. As expected, I apologized for that dumb (understatement!) move. Next up was an issue with child number 1 – after which I could feel myself heading to the funny farm (and it didn’t feel very funny).

Later that evening, as I was looking and feeling like a failure, my other son came to me and said, “Mom, I’ve got your back. I love you and you do a great job. We’ll be ok. We’re all a family – no matter what.” Now, that made me cry. 🙂

The thing about “family” is that we all have different experiences and different definitions. Some of us are part of a large family and some not. Some have family all over the globe and some in town. Some are emotionally close to their family and some aren’t. Sometimes our family saves us. And, sometimes our family puts us in our grave (figuratively – and sadly – literally). Sometimes “family” includes people who aren’t biologically related to us.

But what do we know about anyone we consider “family?” They embrace (most times!) our flaws. They don’t shut us out. They listen to our s*** over and over again. They don’t judge. We’re loved unconditionally.

Isn’t it great to know that you have people in your corner who love, support and care about you — the sometimes insane you? People who don’t care how you look, how much money you have (or don’t) or how dumb you can be at times? Doesn’t it just feel amazing?

Today, send this post to someone who fits that role for you. A person who has your back and puts up with your s***. Who loves you just the way you are, even when you’re being a jerk. Who has no judgement about your love for them or their love for you. Thank them. They deserve it. And today’s a perfect day to do it!